Walmart said it had sold out of firearms in almost every town in the wake of the Sandy Hook shootings.

The demand, mainly from parents, has sent sales soaring to an all-time high, despite Barack Obama’s vow to tackle the gun culture.

Walmart said it had sold out of firearms in almost every town in the wake of the Sandy Hook shootings.

Thousands have snapped up shotguns and pistols as Christmas gifts, including semi-automatic rifles like the one used by Newtown killer Adam Lanza, 20.

Shopper Debbi Kremer said a handgun would be a “good gift” and “maybe ammo in the stocking”.

James Debney, boss of gun brand Smith & Wesson, said sales were up 63% on last year. And Jerry McCall, owner of Texas Guns in San Antonio, said: “Yesterday was the biggest day I have had in 20 years in the gun industry.”

Meanwhile, communities fell silent across the US at 9.30am, exactly a week after the shooting spree which left 28 dead.

In Newtown, it was followed by a memorial service for British victim Dylan Hockley, six.

The gun rush came as pro-gun activists demanded armed police guards for US schools.

National Rifle Association chief Wayne LaPierre said: “The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.”

FOUR people were killed and three policemen injured yesterday when a gunman opened fire on a Pennsylvania highway.